Chao Ping Ji‧ Chao Fang Chaozhou Restaurant: A Rare Culinary Gem in Taipei
Chaozhou cuisine is a lesser-known gem among the vast array of Chinese cuisines available in Taipei. While Jiangsu, Sichuan, Hunan, and Cantonese cuisines dominate the scene, Chaozhou cuisine stands out with its unique flavors and culinary traditions. Similar to Taiwanese cuisine, Chaozhou cuisine tends to be lighter and less heavy-handed with seasoning.
Having previously sampled Chaozhou cuisine in mainland China, albeit in cities other than its place of origin, my impressions were somewhat blurred, leaving me with only a vague sense of familiarity.
On this particular occasion, I stumbled upon Chao Ping Ji‧ Chao Fang Chaozhou Restaurant almost by chance. With other desired dining spots fully booked, it was the only available option for reservation. Admittedly, it wouldn't have been my first choice otherwise, as it had been placed lower on my list. A glance at the menu quickly revealed the reason why.
You can opt out of the appetizers by simply informing the waiter, and they will promptly remove them from the table. Personally, I'm not particularly interested in these open-air appetizers that are left on the table. I'm unsure of how long they've been sitting out and exposed to the air, so I'd rather pass on them to avoid any potential contamination.
Some dishes require advance reservation, especially those with complex preparation processes and limited availability. I noticed many elder diners had pre-booked their favorite dishes in advance.
The Crispy Duck with Taro Mash, although considered a signature dish, left me with a rather ordinary impression.
The Stir-Fried Noodles were quite flavorful and enjoyable!
The Chaozhou Braised Dishes are a must-order, but unfortunately, due to certain circumstances that day, we missed out on them, which was a bit of a misstep. The dishes we ordered that day were more of a selection tailored to accommodate the occasion of dining with our first-time guest. Consequently, they didn't quite meet our expectations, but they weren't disappointing either. Each dish was served in relatively small portions, so we found ourselves ordering more to satisfy our appetites. However, the prices were steep, especially considering the modest portion sizes. While some dishes like the Stir-Fried Noodles were decent, they didn't justify the high prices for us. Overall, it's a one-time visit kind of place for us. The service was average, the prices were high, and the portions were small. We felt that the experience didn't quite match the cost. There are plenty of other restaurants where you can get a more satisfying and diverse dining experience at a similar price point. Of course, it's a matter of personal preference. This place leans towards a more refined dining experience, which might appeal to some.
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